I want to let you all know that seeing you all together last night in one place for Thanksgiving was amazing! I feel we have been so blessed to have that actually happen. I am grateful for each one of you, and the time and effort you put in to making our family celestial.
I may not have been there this year, but it brought joy and comfort to me knowing you were all together, and with all my grandchildren!
It just warmed my heart.
As we start planning next year, dad & I just figured out that will be hard to do, as he is seriously looking for a job down there right after the holidays. If he finds one, we will pray about it, and who knows?
I guess I better not buy tickets yet for a desert trip from NY.... but, we do need to decide when that will be when we are together during the holidays.
See you all soon!
Friday, November 26, 2010
HP 7
I know all of us have not seen this, so I won't add any spoilers.
Dad and I just got back from seeing it. I liked it more than I usually do HP< probably cause I hadn't read the book
The interesting thing worth a blog note was what dad said after the movie:
" Wearing a _______ (forgot the word and dad already went out running, but you know, the necklace thingy) - well, wearing one of those is like going low" ha ha
I thought that was funny.
Dad and I just got back from seeing it. I liked it more than I usually do HP< probably cause I hadn't read the book
The interesting thing worth a blog note was what dad said after the movie:
" Wearing a _______ (forgot the word and dad already went out running, but you know, the necklace thingy) - well, wearing one of those is like going low" ha ha
I thought that was funny.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Hunger Games
This is a warning for those who have not finished this series, some of the ending will be spoiled, I will mention little details though.
My Review :
As I read through the first book of the series, The Hunger Games, I found a very interesting storyline, that was written well enough to grab the readers attention, and I must say I was impressed with the author's ability to create curiosity and captivate the reader's mind, forcing him to keep reading. A page turner, with some depth, but not as well written as I would've liked.
When I read the second book, Catching Fire, my opinion changed. I felt that the author created a fun story and ended the book in a very good spot. I enjoyed this book greatly and was looking forward to the third. I was excited and hopeful for the thrilling finish of such a well created story and good idea. When I read the third, Mockingjay, I was greatly disappointed, let me explain why.
To explain why I think I must explain a little about hope.
Hope is a powerful thing. It is literally the anchor of our souls. It is the belief that through obedience to our Heavenly Father, and through doing good, we can and will in the end find eternal joy. True happiness that fills the soul and never leaves. This hope gives us purpose, gives us determination and diligence. I am grateful for hope in my life, which can be centered on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for it is through Him that we can achieve this eternal joy.
In book 1 and 2, the author constantly builds our hope as a reader that if our hero(?), Katniss succeeds at something that everything will be better. But as things continue to work out as the reader and Katniss would have hoped, joy never enters the series. By the end of book 2 the author has built up a great hope that if Katniss and the rebel forces can take down the Capital and Snow, that everything will be right again, that true happiness will enter their lives.
Well in book 3 we find that things continue to pan out perfectly for our little hero(?). Things turn out perfectly, exactly as the reader would have hoped, but even after everything goes right, the author brings no peace into the story. Katniss finds no joy in her life, in her family, in her offspring, in anything. I believe the author alludes to Katniss living out the rest of her life in fear and despair as do all the others.
The last 20 pages of this book cause great sadness and why, because the author, I believe, destroys the reader's hope. Everything one would have wanted to happen does, but nothing seems right at the end. Sadness prevails and one feels greatly depressed as if their own lives were unfulfilling as well. Despair replaces hope as the reader's conscience begins to feel that no matter what, we are doomed to an unhappy finite ending, where we can never truly be happy, because even after all went well in the story, we are still miserable with the outcome.
The ploy that after all that Katniss and others have gained at the end that they cannot throw off their fear and old injuries and be truly happy with their highly priced freedom they have purchased with so much blood is a total falsity. It could never happen. Life brings happiness, it is ridiculous to try to write a book to say otherwise.
I hated the ending. The last 20 pages toyed so much with my emotions I actually became angry about it. I do not like when an author tries to create sadness and despair in a world that so desperately needs hope, and this author not only does a good job at destroying the reader's hope, but actually excels at it.
Removing the fact that the book causes one to wallow in sorrow after finishing it, the series is still degrading. If we carefully examine this series we find horrible themes rampant through out the entire thing. It is based on an idea that children, yes, children will fight to the death, brutally. The idea itself is sickening, and I stick with Jacob that it is completely unrealistic, a society could never decay to that point. A parent could never demand that another parent's child be sent to the Hunger Games. Apparently humans are cold animals in the author's eye. The series also constantly makes, drug use, alcohol, body mutilation and prostitution all seem acceptable as people try to escape reality to find happiness. It seems it is also acceptable to describe horrible deaths and graphic scenes. In fact the series takes our sacred bodies, temples given to us by God, and puts them at 0 value. People are constantly changing themselves, are constantly immodest (usually naked), and sleeping together under the age of 18. Sex is portrayed as only a necessary way to keep the species alive with nothing sacred about it. Lies and deceit, blackmail, fame and power, the idea of mistrust (no one is ever trustworthy in the books...they are apparently all two-faced). This book depicts a society that has no God and no morals, no happiness and zero charity. No true heroes exist, even Peeta is apparently hijacked and turned into a menace at the end, unable to recover.
Overall, I believe that Mormon made it very clear for us how we can judge what comes from God and what comes from Satan. Unlike most series or shows or stories, I found no inspiration in this book. It did not make me want to be a better person, or even try to be. I do not want to aspire to be like any of these characters. I judge this series to be inspired by the adversary. The Spirit had no role in inspiring any part of this story.
What do I think of The Hunger Games series?
In the words of Max Hall, "I don't like it, in fact I hate it, I hate everything about it... its classless." I add, its dangerous. Its dangerous to have this view on life, that we are only cold animals with no divine potential, and its sad that someone can truly look at the world this way.
What do you think?
My Review :
As I read through the first book of the series, The Hunger Games, I found a very interesting storyline, that was written well enough to grab the readers attention, and I must say I was impressed with the author's ability to create curiosity and captivate the reader's mind, forcing him to keep reading. A page turner, with some depth, but not as well written as I would've liked.
When I read the second book, Catching Fire, my opinion changed. I felt that the author created a fun story and ended the book in a very good spot. I enjoyed this book greatly and was looking forward to the third. I was excited and hopeful for the thrilling finish of such a well created story and good idea. When I read the third, Mockingjay, I was greatly disappointed, let me explain why.
To explain why I think I must explain a little about hope.
Hope is a powerful thing. It is literally the anchor of our souls. It is the belief that through obedience to our Heavenly Father, and through doing good, we can and will in the end find eternal joy. True happiness that fills the soul and never leaves. This hope gives us purpose, gives us determination and diligence. I am grateful for hope in my life, which can be centered on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for it is through Him that we can achieve this eternal joy.
In book 1 and 2, the author constantly builds our hope as a reader that if our hero(?), Katniss succeeds at something that everything will be better. But as things continue to work out as the reader and Katniss would have hoped, joy never enters the series. By the end of book 2 the author has built up a great hope that if Katniss and the rebel forces can take down the Capital and Snow, that everything will be right again, that true happiness will enter their lives.
Well in book 3 we find that things continue to pan out perfectly for our little hero(?). Things turn out perfectly, exactly as the reader would have hoped, but even after everything goes right, the author brings no peace into the story. Katniss finds no joy in her life, in her family, in her offspring, in anything. I believe the author alludes to Katniss living out the rest of her life in fear and despair as do all the others.
The last 20 pages of this book cause great sadness and why, because the author, I believe, destroys the reader's hope. Everything one would have wanted to happen does, but nothing seems right at the end. Sadness prevails and one feels greatly depressed as if their own lives were unfulfilling as well. Despair replaces hope as the reader's conscience begins to feel that no matter what, we are doomed to an unhappy finite ending, where we can never truly be happy, because even after all went well in the story, we are still miserable with the outcome.
The ploy that after all that Katniss and others have gained at the end that they cannot throw off their fear and old injuries and be truly happy with their highly priced freedom they have purchased with so much blood is a total falsity. It could never happen. Life brings happiness, it is ridiculous to try to write a book to say otherwise.
I hated the ending. The last 20 pages toyed so much with my emotions I actually became angry about it. I do not like when an author tries to create sadness and despair in a world that so desperately needs hope, and this author not only does a good job at destroying the reader's hope, but actually excels at it.
Removing the fact that the book causes one to wallow in sorrow after finishing it, the series is still degrading. If we carefully examine this series we find horrible themes rampant through out the entire thing. It is based on an idea that children, yes, children will fight to the death, brutally. The idea itself is sickening, and I stick with Jacob that it is completely unrealistic, a society could never decay to that point. A parent could never demand that another parent's child be sent to the Hunger Games. Apparently humans are cold animals in the author's eye. The series also constantly makes, drug use, alcohol, body mutilation and prostitution all seem acceptable as people try to escape reality to find happiness. It seems it is also acceptable to describe horrible deaths and graphic scenes. In fact the series takes our sacred bodies, temples given to us by God, and puts them at 0 value. People are constantly changing themselves, are constantly immodest (usually naked), and sleeping together under the age of 18. Sex is portrayed as only a necessary way to keep the species alive with nothing sacred about it. Lies and deceit, blackmail, fame and power, the idea of mistrust (no one is ever trustworthy in the books...they are apparently all two-faced). This book depicts a society that has no God and no morals, no happiness and zero charity. No true heroes exist, even Peeta is apparently hijacked and turned into a menace at the end, unable to recover.
Overall, I believe that Mormon made it very clear for us how we can judge what comes from God and what comes from Satan. Unlike most series or shows or stories, I found no inspiration in this book. It did not make me want to be a better person, or even try to be. I do not want to aspire to be like any of these characters. I judge this series to be inspired by the adversary. The Spirit had no role in inspiring any part of this story.
What do I think of The Hunger Games series?
In the words of Max Hall, "I don't like it, in fact I hate it, I hate everything about it... its classless." I add, its dangerous. Its dangerous to have this view on life, that we are only cold animals with no divine potential, and its sad that someone can truly look at the world this way.
What do you think?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
People Make a Big Difference
I spent several hours at the same hospital over the past few days. After two days doing exactly the same thing I have come to realize how much of a difference a person - or people - can make in the lives of others. Friday was a wonderful day at the hospital. Everyone was kind, fun, and nice as we made our way through a scary and stressful situation. In fact, the one doctor made me jealous as I thought how wonderful it must be to be able to impact people's lives in such a great way. Monday was the opposite. From the moment we checked in people were rude, mean and annoying. They did nothing to make our time their comfortable and we left frustrated and exhausted. The difference? The people. Same hospital, same tests, same check-in procedure, etc. Completely different experience. It made me want to be the type of person that has a positive effect on people's lives, and not the opposite - like the Monday crew at the hospital.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Spiritual trek
I am on my 3rd day of a 2 week spiritual trek. I am combining it with a physical journey as well.
It has been awesome! I am focusing on the spiritual more, and it makes such a difference in life.
I felt the desire this morning to share this quote by Richard G Scott:
"The essential things must be accomplished during your testing period on earth. They must have first priority.
They must not be sacrificed for lesser things, even though they are good and worthwhile accomplishments.
After this life, you will be restored to that which you have HERE allowed yourself to become. OH, if I but had the capacity to communicate the peace and serenity that come from knowing that you and your family have worthily received all of the saving ordinances and the corresponding covenants are being righteously kept."
"We knew that we would be tested here. Part of that testing here is to have so many seemingly interesting things to do that we can forget the main purposed for being here. Satan works very hard so that the essential things won't happen."
I love that you are all baptized and attending the temple. It does bring me great peace. Thank you for keeping your covenants, and blessing your children and each other with your great examples.
"In this there is safety, in this, there is peace."
It has been awesome! I am focusing on the spiritual more, and it makes such a difference in life.
I felt the desire this morning to share this quote by Richard G Scott:
"The essential things must be accomplished during your testing period on earth. They must have first priority.
They must not be sacrificed for lesser things, even though they are good and worthwhile accomplishments.
After this life, you will be restored to that which you have HERE allowed yourself to become. OH, if I but had the capacity to communicate the peace and serenity that come from knowing that you and your family have worthily received all of the saving ordinances and the corresponding covenants are being righteously kept."
"We knew that we would be tested here. Part of that testing here is to have so many seemingly interesting things to do that we can forget the main purposed for being here. Satan works very hard so that the essential things won't happen."
I love that you are all baptized and attending the temple. It does bring me great peace. Thank you for keeping your covenants, and blessing your children and each other with your great examples.
"In this there is safety, in this, there is peace."
Monday, November 08, 2010
Best and Worst of Times
I always thought this opening was dumb, but at this point I can see that these two things can actually coexist. It has been the worst of times ever since we learned about our sons’ cardiomyopathy. It is difficult to go through all of the emotions, scenarios, and possibilities when you hear something like that. Being an optimist I have tried very hard to keep positive thoughts and have faith that things will work out fine. But there definitely are times you imagine the worst. And when Malik was shown to have the same thing as Jarek, it was hard not to imagine a future with only one son. Visions of the future without my two oldest sons are nightmares. Feelings from anger to thoughts on “fairness” and then pity for my boys have been rotating with faith and hope and gratitude for the time I have with them.
At first we didn’t tell anybody as we wanted to get all of the details before sharing our burden, but I did take some time to share with one of my employees who has had cancer. She talked about how hard it was to tell her husband and son, and how she realized they had to live one day at a time. “Tomorrow might be terrible,” she would tell them, “but today is good.” And though we still have to find out the details on the severity of their condition, I can’t help but think of things more in the “now” than in the future. I have never been one to live very far in the future, but this has brought me back even more. Even things like planning vacations and meals turn to “where would Jarek want to go?” or “what dinner does Malik want to eat?” Prayers change to focusing on shorter-term things like “please let them live to experience love and go on a mission” as opposed to worrying about their careers. Your perspective changes and suddenly some things just don’t seem that important.
It is a blessing to have Tevia by my side. And if there was a year that it would have been nice to have family by my side, this is the year. I am so grateful to have my siblings near during this time and to feel their love; not only for me, but for my children. What greater gift could we want for our children?
And that is how it has also been the best of times. As we recently returned from a wonderful trip to Utah, I couldn’t help but think back on the time we had up there. It was a blessing. The baptism we attended was one of the best I have ever been to. The game was amazing. As I sat in the sun looking at my sons, my wife and many of those I love most, it was awesome to enjoy a great game and smile, laugh, and cheer. An intimate evening with close friends was needed as we exchanged heartbreaks and hopes about our children and lives. Even the car ride home was exceptional as the last two legs I drove with Kathy, Jimmy, and Tommy and we discussed life, gospel principles and shared our ideas and lives. I was reminded of the great support team I have to be there for me in times like this. To remind me why we are here and what is important. A wife to hold me as I try to be strong as she sheds tears on my shoulder. Two sons who have shown more bravery than any men I have ever met. And this is when I realize it is the best of times.
I have lived a charmed life. But I know we need trials and pain in our lives to improve. It sucks, but I understand it. Let’s just hope I still have some of that charm left.
At first we didn’t tell anybody as we wanted to get all of the details before sharing our burden, but I did take some time to share with one of my employees who has had cancer. She talked about how hard it was to tell her husband and son, and how she realized they had to live one day at a time. “Tomorrow might be terrible,” she would tell them, “but today is good.” And though we still have to find out the details on the severity of their condition, I can’t help but think of things more in the “now” than in the future. I have never been one to live very far in the future, but this has brought me back even more. Even things like planning vacations and meals turn to “where would Jarek want to go?” or “what dinner does Malik want to eat?” Prayers change to focusing on shorter-term things like “please let them live to experience love and go on a mission” as opposed to worrying about their careers. Your perspective changes and suddenly some things just don’t seem that important.
It is a blessing to have Tevia by my side. And if there was a year that it would have been nice to have family by my side, this is the year. I am so grateful to have my siblings near during this time and to feel their love; not only for me, but for my children. What greater gift could we want for our children?
And that is how it has also been the best of times. As we recently returned from a wonderful trip to Utah, I couldn’t help but think back on the time we had up there. It was a blessing. The baptism we attended was one of the best I have ever been to. The game was amazing. As I sat in the sun looking at my sons, my wife and many of those I love most, it was awesome to enjoy a great game and smile, laugh, and cheer. An intimate evening with close friends was needed as we exchanged heartbreaks and hopes about our children and lives. Even the car ride home was exceptional as the last two legs I drove with Kathy, Jimmy, and Tommy and we discussed life, gospel principles and shared our ideas and lives. I was reminded of the great support team I have to be there for me in times like this. To remind me why we are here and what is important. A wife to hold me as I try to be strong as she sheds tears on my shoulder. Two sons who have shown more bravery than any men I have ever met. And this is when I realize it is the best of times.
I have lived a charmed life. But I know we need trials and pain in our lives to improve. It sucks, but I understand it. Let’s just hope I still have some of that charm left.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
feeling lonely
Released from the temple, then YW, counted down 730 days till Tom got home, and now he is already gone, people keep moving away....
Watched Jayne Eyre last night.
What do we do on a Saturday night besides tv?
I guess we are so used to the church keeping us busy. This weekend, we had no Saturday church activity. You would think we would be thrilled. Well, we are. It feels good to not have to go anywhere.
Maybe it is a Bourne kind of night.
Watched Jayne Eyre last night.
What do we do on a Saturday night besides tv?
I guess we are so used to the church keeping us busy. This weekend, we had no Saturday church activity. You would think we would be thrilled. Well, we are. It feels good to not have to go anywhere.
Maybe it is a Bourne kind of night.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Halloween and Other Happenings
Apparently I messed up some setting on our camera, so most of the pictures I've taken lately have been really blurry. Here's an assortment of the better ones.
Hazel at the pumpkin farm
Our pumpkin - I carved and Hazel drew
Hazel as Baby Princess Peach - I went for simple and easy this year.
Speed as Baby Mario. He was apparently too tired to give us a proper smile.
The chocolate covered Oreos I made on Halloween with this cool mold my mother-in-law sent me. The spiders were pretty fail but I think the skulls turned out pretty good.
Hazel at the pumpkin farm Our pumpkin - I carved and Hazel drewHazel as Baby Princess Peach - I went for simple and easy this year.Speed as Baby Mario. He was apparently too tired to give us a proper smile.The chocolate covered Oreos I made on Halloween with this cool mold my mother-in-law sent me. The spiders were pretty fail but I think the skulls turned out pretty good.Would it be weird to say I'm glad Halloween is over? I'm just looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas so much that Halloween was really just a stepping stone this year. On to more holidays!!!
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